Prachuap khiri khan: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment participated in a ceremony to cut down 20 sandalwood trees at Kui Buri National Park for the royal funeral ceremony, with plans to plant 200 more trees as replacements, continuing ancient royal traditions while simultaneously promoting conservation. According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony, held on August 20, 2026, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Suchart Chomklin. Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukhbang presided over the event, which was conducted to prepare materials for the royal funeral ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation selected 20 naturally deceased sandalwood trees from Kui Buri National Park, adhering to ancient royal traditions. The trees, over 100 years old and with an average circumference of around 150 centimeters, were chosen for their suitability in royal ceremonies due to their dense, fragrant wood.
The consecration ceremony, which started at 11:09 AM, involved traditional rituals. Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukhbang poured holy water and anointed the tree, while ceremonial gongs, conch shells, and trumpets were played. The presiding officer symbolically struck the tree with a golden axe, and flowers were scattered around it.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance and conserving natural resources, explaining that only naturally deceased trees were selected, in line with ancient royal traditions.
Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana highlighted that Kui Buri National Park, spanning approximately 969 square kilometers, is a crucial source of sandalwood in the country. The conservation effort includes monitoring and propagating sandalwood in nearby protected areas like Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and Kaeng Krachan National Park.
The conservation policy involves planting 200 new trees as replacements for the 20 cut, aligning with the tradition of planting 10 trees for each one cut. The first batch of 10 trees was planted following the ceremony, and efforts will continue to ensure the healthy growth of these new trees.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will collaborate with local volunteer groups to process the sandalwood, which will then be sent to the Fine Arts Department's Office of Traditional Crafts in Nakhon Pathom for use in the royal funeral ceremony, conducted with respect to ancient royal traditions.